Size Really Does Matter - At Least When it Comes to Twitter

Image by luc legay via Flickr

Back in the days when newsletters first hit the Internet, they were usually published in text format because many email clients did not support HTML email just yet. One of the problems many publishers faced was long URL's being split in half and not being clickable to the reader. To solve this problem, shortening services started to spring up that would take a long URL and cut it down to a reasonable size.
With the popularity of Twitter and the confines of 140 characters, URL (link) shortening services are in high demand once again. When you have such a small amount of space to work with, no one wants a long URL cutting into that precious real estate.
There are a variety of shortening services to choose from, each having their own specific features and benefits. Most of them do work hand in hand with Twitter, allowing you to Tweet the link once it's been shortened. If you're an avid Twitter user this is a useful feature to have.
Some only provide a basic shortening service, but many allow you to view stats and metrics on your newly shortened links if you register. If you're doing any form of social media marketing, it's nice to be able to see if anyone's actually clicking on all the links you're sending out to the "Twitosphere", or posting on Facebook and other sites. Tracking will give you an indication that you're being heard and that people are actually paying attention to what you have to say.
Another important thing to look for is whether or not the shortening service uses 301 redirects. This is the most search engine friendly, and forces the search engine to look at the destination URL, not the domain of the shortening service itself. A 301 stands for a permanent move, not temporary. What this means is, you want the links you're sending out to be given acknowledgment by the search engines, not the shortening service itself. Make sense?
Many allow custom URL's, which allows you to use your name or company name in the links you create. This is great for branding purposes. Think of it as a vanity license plate. Instead of being just a regular URL it's your special creation.
Let's review a few options:
1) http://TweetBurner.com - A bare bones tracking service which allows you to shorten any link and then share it instantly with your Twitter followers or Friendfeed. Basic stat tracking is available so you can see how many people clicked on your link.

2) http://Cli.gs - A shortening service which includes full analytics. You can create links that include your brand in them. Free to use. It's easy to send your links to Twitter with one click.

3) http://Bit.ly - This is Twitter's default shortening service and used by Tweetdeck.com. It allows you to track performance of your links in real time. Easy to share generated links on Twitter, Facebook, even Gmail. It also offers many extra tools and plug-ins such as a browser bookmarklet and browser sidebar.
4) http://MyTwitterToolbar.com - Free to download and comes complete with a massive list of URL shorteners as well as over 50 Twitter tools. Also includes 100 Twitter tips.

5) http://www.TwitClicks.com - A fairly simple service that allows you to shorten a URL immediately and tweet it. Can also see complete stats. Detailed stats show percentage of browsers used and locations of those who clicked. Check out a short video on how to use it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1ScPeCd6X4.

6) http://www.ExpandMyUrl.com - This service takes a shortened link and gives you the true URL that it points to. Perfect for the paranoid individual who wants to know where the shortened link will send them.

7) http://www.TwitPwr.com - A short URL service which also includes analytics and stats. Their home page shows the top 25 users with the most TwitPwr and also a "hot URL" list of those URL's that get the most clicks. Free to use.

8) http://1link.in - A multiple link shortening service. Simply type in a list of links and get one link back for all. If you click on the newly shortened link it goes to a page showing details of what sites that link points to, and asks if you want to open them all. If you answer yes, multiple windows will open for each site.

9) http://Go2.me - A different type of link shortening and discussion service which creates shorter links which also contain a chat window to exchange comments with your readers. It's also easy to share on Twitter, Facebook or email with one click.
10) http://Tw.itter.me - You can customize the shortened link with your name or company name. From what I saw no stats are available.

11) http://budurl.com - Another popular service which shows you a real time view of your inbound clicks. This free service allows you to track up to 250 Budurl's. They provide 3 pay levels of service from $4.00 a month to $49.00 a month. There is a 21 day free tríal on any paid service. You can start out free and upgrade your account at any time.

12) http://Tr.Im - Trim those long URL's and instantly share them on Twitter. If you want stats, you'll need to register. Offers many different tools and extensions to make for easier sharing, such as a Firefox extension that allows you to view your tr.im stats and tweet your new links quickly.

13) http://short.ie - Keeps all your shortened links in one place. Tracks clicks and allows you to instantly share your list with friends. It can also be connected to your Twitter account for more features. Customization of URL's also available.

14) http://hootsuite.com - Not really a URL shortening service, but has the ability built-in. Hootsuite is a "Twitter Toolbox" loaded with features which are all free. They use ow.ly as their built in link shortener.

If you haven't tried a url shortening service, you'll want to find one that fits your needs and start to really utilize it in your marketing activities. Finding out who's clicking on your links, time of day, where they're from and other information will be very valuable in your ongoing efforts as an Internet Marketer.
Remember, when it comes to social media marketing T.M.I (too much information) is a good thing, unlike when your Aunt Ethel wants you to sit with her and go over every detail of her latest vacatíon [grin]. One is helpful, the other just downright painful.
By Merle (c) 2009 MerlesWorld.com

Marketing in the New Technological Eco-System

Image by Josh Russell via Flickr

There is a whole technological Ecosystem developing before our eyes, that we can either ignore; adapt to slowly at our own pace (recommended!); or race to embrace. These new methods of network marketing provide us with everything from enhanced lead generation, to high level CRM (Customer Relationship Management). Knowing that many industries are slow to move in the technological arena, I am confident that this "Snapshot" will be eye-opening to many of you!
Our Top 5 Sites for Social Networking and Micro-Blogging
These are not just communication devices to chat from, they generate leads and help close sales by increasing exposure and developing relationships. Another purpose they serve is to improve your organic ranking, as search engines are now sending traffic to your site based on these social networking "traffic sources". Here are just a few to consider...
1. LinkedIn - Use LinkedIn for business referrals and leads. A great way to introduce men to your business. This business-oriented site is used for professional networking and has a primary demographic of males averaging 41 years of age. Your developed "connections" are people you know and trust in the business. Your connections, connections & their connections (called second degree and third degree connections) allow you to be introduced to possible business opportunities. You can join relevant alumni, industry, or professional groups of your choice.
2. Twitter - Use Twitter to notify your clients of latest business developments; promotions and business initiatives. Demographic of 35-49 is biggest. This "follow-me" site allows you to put in up to 140 characters which are displayed on your profile page and delivered to those who have subscribed to, or are following you. You can restrict or allow open access to your "tweets". It's free unless you use SMS (short message service). 6 million unique visitors monthly. Currently the fastest growing site in the Member Communities category for 2009. Although discovered by the media, still under 7% of the population uses it, but growth over last year was a whopping 1,382% .
3. BizNik - Use BizNik to establish yourself as an expert in your industry through articles and content. BizNik is for people building real businesses. It's a good place to go to share conversation about your business and entrepreneurial endeavours. The site is based on relationships, not referrals. You can teach a seminar; post on the boards; download your articles; host an online event; attend an online event, etc.
4. Facebook - Use Facebook to "tap into the fountain of youth". Join in by city; workplace; school, etc. You can choose your friends and use privacy settings which allow you to control what type of information is automatically shared. The most popular application is the ability to upload unlímited photos. You can now also send "gifts" for $1.00 with a personalized message to your friends; and post free classified ads to those in your network. 228% growth year over year, with the fastest growing demographic being those 25 years and older.
5. MySpace - Use MySpace to recruit, educate, introduce and boost awareness of your business and industry as a whole. One of the fastest growing websites of all time, with the primary user being 18 years of age and older. This interactive network is a user-submitted site of friends, groups, videos, musicians, photos, blogs, etc. You can use "bulletins" to deliver your message; designated groups can share a common page and message board; full service classified listings are available; you can upload recordings, and much more.
More options... bebo.com; care2.com; classmates.com; del.icio.us; digg.com; flickr.com; friendster.com; meetup.com; orkut.com; ryze.com; stumbleupon.com; yahoo!360; xanga.com; to over 100! And once you have made those decisions, consider these next two systems that are here and should be "coming down your pipes" SOON...
Mobile Marketing
This is the ability to reach consumers on their mobile devices, "where they are", with incentive advertising and email campaigns. Still in its early stages, perfecting mobile-friendly formats and savvy ways to deliver your message to this captive audience will require a unique approach and your research. Studies show that ad agencies big and small are all rushing to develop mobile-based promotional tools - it's going to be huge and it's coming fast. It's time for you to catch up with exploding consumer online demands. Still only 19% of mobile users have used mobile marketing, but critics say that it increases consumer awareness by up to 24% and increases intent to purchase by almost 5% - that's good... Start capturing new data, preferences and interest levels from clients now! Some stats: 3.3 billion people worldwide have mobile phones. Over 200 million operate phones with text messaging capabilities in North America. Over 174 million have phones capable of browsing the web in North America Check out: www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/lib/1718.pdf
The Virtual Office
Your office must be wherever you are - you can conduct business from almost anywhere today. If you're on the move, you'll need a cell phone/smart phone/personal digital assistant with wireless web. While on the go, use instant messaging and social networking sites to alert, modify, and monitor staff and client wants and needs, on the spot. Your virtual office might consist of some, or all of these:

• Videoconferencing and/or teleconferencing combined with presentation software that will allow you to communicate with several people in real time, worldwide;
• Live streaming video enables the user to view in real time, anything from a demonstration of services, to an onsite, hands-on educational program;
• Web-hosted scheduling and booking tools will allow you to manage appointments online;
• Blogs, eNews and Forums are important informational tools to help endorse your brand;
• Web conferencing (webinars) make it simple to hold live interactive seminars with anyone at any time;
• Podcasts are great marketing tools as well as a great educational means for teaching and training staff and your target markets;
• Online video has climbed 340% in recent years, as a means to introduce; learn; and sell from;
• Online sales (shop with us) are fast becoming necessary as a passive, supplementary revenue stream in the business environment.

If necessary, consider hiring a Virtual Assistant/Cyber Assistant (VA/CA - just Google) and get help with new ways on getting things done in a cyber-environment. Enjoy!

By author: Leslie Lyon

Twitter Under Assault

Image via Wikipedia

A new microblogging website, Yahoo Meme, similar in style and functionality to Twitter, was soft-launched in Portuguese in May. They have now launched a Spanish version. But what is unusual is that the word “meme” was first introduced by controversial British ethologist and evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his book The Selfish Gene to discuss “elements of cultural ideas, symbols or practices that are transmitted from one mind to another through speech, gestures, rituals, or other imitable phenomena…” That doesn’t sound a bit like Yahoo.

Just as in the 19th century, when Thomas Huxley was known as “Darwin’s bulldog” for his tenacious defence of Darwinism, Richard Dawkins has played a similar, modern-day role when talking about evolutionary principles and explaining the spread of ideas and cultural phenomena.

Analogous with the above, you may have noticed that Yahoo’s Meme closely follows the etymology of the Greek word “mimema” for “something imitated” and that instead of a sweet little bird tweeting, it has a dog – admittedly not quite the image of Huxley the bulldog, but a dog nevertheless – barking “wow” in Spanish. A dog? Don’t you think it would have been more appropriate to have used a cat that could have ruffled Twitter’s feathers a little, like Yahoo Sucatash?

According to Wiki, examples of memes are tunes, ideas and catch-phrases. But now, microblogging? Yes, Yahoo has introduced its own version in Spanish and Portuguese offering similar features to Twitter. At first glance it seems like another clone where users can populate with text posts, music, videos, photos and links to MP3 files, and with a repost rather than retweet button, but is it really an exact clone?

According to readwriteweb.com, “After using Meme [see http://meme.yahoo.com] for a while, it doesn’t quite seem right to call it a Twitter clone. Instead, Yahoo Meme is really more of a back-to-basics microblogging service that feels a lot more like Posterous or Tumblr than Twitter.”

It must be said that releasing the beta in Spanish was a bit odd. However, according to The Summer Institute for Linguistics Ethnologue Survey (1999), the following are the top languages by population: Chinese, Spanish, then English, so to opt for Spanish would appear quite justified. But why was it cloaked in such secrecy? Do they think they are closing in on rival Twitter? Unlikely as yet, as Yahoo’s Meme does not have an API, so third-party developers are unable to write any web tools for it.

Perhaps my adherence to the Messrs Dawkins and Huxley analogy was too abstract as Yahoo’s description of its new “meme” insists: “Today, a ‘meme’ on the internet is popularly understood as a fever and became content that is played by everyone.”

Not quite what Richard Dawkins had in mind, as in explanations about his original “memes”, were that they “propagate themselves in the meme pool by leaping from brain to brain via a process which, in the broad sense, can be called imitation. If a scientist heard, or read about, a good idea, he passed it on to his colleagues and students. He mentioned it in his articles and his lectures. If the idea caught on, it can be said to propagate itself, spreading from brain to brain.” Does this mean that Yahoo’s “content that is played by everyone” is the same thing as an imitation of Twitter? One wonders.

As things go, not everything is well at Twitter. Not only has Yahoo started to imitate its service but there has been yet another DDoS attack and they are said to be in litigation for patent infringement from TechRadium, a Texas-based technology company.

Not that this should be taken as a legal precedent, but it does raise some eyebrows as to how far users can legally tweet. According to TechRadium on the National Law Journal’s website: “Alerting the public about a fire, hurricane or traffic accident on Twitter is an unlawful tweet.”

So does that mean that the use of Twitter to post hurricane updates will affect Chevron and Shell or that the Los Angeles Fire Department is in trouble for posting alerts about fires and road closures?

George Borkowski, chairman of the intellectual property practice in Los Angeles, said Twitter “is likely to challenge the validity of the patents, claiming that the technology is too generic or too obvious to warrant a patent.” Borkowski also claimed that as the technology “was already out there, so there’s nothing truly novel about the patent.”

These three major assaults on Twitter must have its board a little nervous as, yet again, and for the third day running, the formatting of Twitter was all over the place on all browsers on my Mac. During my various research forays, however, I did stumble upon Yahoo_Meme on Twitter, which is a little cheeky to say the least. It only has one tweet pointing to the Portuguese beta.

However, add to that the already competing services such as Friendfeed, a real-time feed aggregator which consolidates posts from social media/networking websites and RSS/Atom feeds; One Riot, a real-time web search engine used for locating news, videos and blogs; Tumblr, a blogging platform that allows users to post text, images, video, etc, where users are able to “follow” other users; and SPNbabble, which supports the OpenID standard for a single sign-on between many different websites using a common password for each.

Besides the problems with Twitter internally, it seems by coincidence that it is being “hunted by the pack” from all these possible angles. But is it the legal connotations that have confused us in the TechRadium case about what our understanding is regarding the law and what is permissible to microblog? That question seems to be in the lap of the courts (certainly not the gods if Richard Dawkins has anything to do with it) – and alongside it, a process that could potentially take years to settle.

By John Sylvester in Featured

More accurate and faster than the speed of Google's new look!

Image by lukedbaker via Flickr

Google will not search pages, polished look, but the speed and the engine is found to build up again - in time to the development phase is expected to review the changes. Caffeine baptized in the name of the new Search Google for the usual Puritan, built on a Spartan look, which is clearly a good move for the mogul on the Internet - no need to continue to design, the important thing is the service speed and quality. The web is already found in the writings of the most important issues in conformity with a summary of the first detailed results of tests and interviews detailing the changes are real consequences.

They can be smarter already after reading the brilliant innovations in relation to Google, of course, what the average user is not necessarily required, since the outcome is usually the same as you are wont: a quick and easy searches, reliable hit rate. These experts, however, the company that there is still room for improvement, the two-year project (which is the Google File System, which covers the development of the GFS), the first slow to show results. These are clearly visible on the basis of the first tests of the new search engine in a number of kills, and provides more accurate, faster and it makes an average of about 0.2 seconds lefaragva most of the time required.

Particular attention is paid to the new sites on the Internet to index changes, which are also accelerated to seek more accurate, more effective. Although this almost every day to change, modify, the recent development in a comprehensive enough to give a specific name. The makers of the new engine is much more flexible and more power, opportunity predecessor, which was also recorded by the companies and then exploited when the search results will be sorted out. What users are happy to be that Google does not stand watching the competitors attempt, whether the presentation of a brand new search engine, or against a specific alliance.

The comScore survey, while interesting results have been published in which Google continues to be confident in leading the search market (the United States, 65 per cent share), but also show that the solutions are used to make a better turn to rival search engine company in service. Google is much more user loyalty, they are much less likely to use fanyalodnak the competition platform, and a month, almost twice as many searches are settled.

WHAT'S ON YOUR SCREEN?

What is Screenjelly?

Screenjelly records your screen activity with your voice so you can spread it via Twitter or email.

Use it to quickly share cool apps or software tips, report a bug, or just show stuff you like.

To start recording, click on the red button. No need to install or download anything!




more about "WHAT'S ON YOUR SCREEN?", posted with vodpod

Search Dominates New Twitter Homepage

Image via Wikipedia

This week Twitter proudly launched a new homepage. The redesign contains many new features, but the most prominent one, by far, is the search box.

Twitter says the new design is one effort the company is taking to help new users and people unfamiliar with the site better understand what the service offers. Aside from the sleek new color scheme, Twitter’s homepage also sports a new slogan. Instead of “What are you doing?” the new company slogan reads “Share and discover what’s happening right now, anywhere in the world.”

The redesign also includes “popular topics.” Formerly known as “trending topics,” the newly coined “popular topics” track the hottest topics by the minute, day, and week. The new design also offers Search Tips when a user searches for a specific item.

As mentioned above, the search box is the main feature on the page. Is this any indication that Twitter is taking steps to eventually become a search company? Only time will tell, but it is important to note that Twitter also recently announced a new search widget called Twitter 101.

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Twitter Tightens Security, But Is It Enough?

Image by Laughing Squid via Flickr

Twitter began an effort this week in hopes of preventing the spread of malicious links through its service. Sharing links is one of the most popular uses of Twitter, but it is also dangerous since spammer and hacker activity has recently been high on the site. As a result, users are led to inappropriate websites and in some cases, are forced to deal with malware attacks on their computer.

Twitter uses Google’s Safe Browsing API as it checks for fraudulent links. When a user posts a malicious link, Twitter deletes the tweet and returns a message reading: “Oops! Your tweet contained a URL to a known malware site!”

At this point, the filter does not block malicious links that are put in url shorteners. However, some shorteners such as Bit.ly use their own spam filtering systems.

While security experts are pleased that Twitter is making an effort to improve its security, they also believe there is more work to be done. Nishant Jadhav, the Director of Product Management and Business Development at FaceTime, told WebProNews that Twitter’s tightened security could be a result of the U.S. Marine Corps’ move to ban social networking sites. He went on to say that the next step for Twitter and other social networking sites could be content-based filters.

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Is Twitter doing enough to protect against malware? What other measures could they be taking?